from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Goal \Goal\, n. [F. gaule pole, Prov. F. waule, of German
origin; cf. Fries. walu staff, stick, rod, Goth. walus, Icel.
v["o]lr a round stick; prob. akin to E. wale.]
[1913 Webster]
1. The mark set to bound a race, and to or around which the
constestants run, or from which they start to return to it
again; the place at which a race or a journey is to end.
[1913 Webster]
Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal
With rapid wheels. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. The final purpose or aim; the end to which a design tends,
or which a person aims to reach or attain.
[1913 Webster]
Each individual seeks a several goal. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
3. A base, station, or bound used in various games as the
point or object which a team must reach in order to score
points; in certain games, the point which the ball or puck
must pass in order for points to be scored. In football,
it is a line between two posts across which the ball must
pass in order to score points; in soccer or ice hockey, it
is a net at each end of the soccer field into which the
soccer ball or hocjey puck must be propelled; in
basketball, it is the basket[7] suspended from the
backboard, through which the basketball must pass.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
4. (Sport) The act or instance of propelling the ball or puck
into or through the goal[3], thus scoring points; as, to
score a goal.
[PJC]
{Goal keeper}, (Sport) the player charged with the defense of
the goal, such as in soccer or ice hockey.
[1913 Webster]